Listed: Pavement's Top Music Albums
In the realm of 1990s indie rock, one band stands out as a cornerstone - Pavement. Their unique blend of noise, punk, lo-fi experimentation, and classic pop songwriting has left an indelible mark on the music industry, influencing bands such as Mac DeMarco, Beabadoobee, Destroyer, Parquet Courts, Horsegirl, and Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever.
As of now, their latest film, simply titled "Pavement", is streaming in UK cinemas, offering fans a glimpse into the band's journey. For many, this journey began with their first album, "Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" (1994). But let's delve deeper into their discography, as ranked by Rough Trade.
Starting with their debut, "Slanted & Enchanted" (1992), this double-concentrated album is a testament to their laid-back Sonic Youth-like sound, combined with humour and catchy hooks. Stephen Malkmus' songwriting features largely unrhymed but memorable lyrics filled with obscure references.
Following closely is "Wowee Zowee" (1995), ranked as their greatest album. This album is a wide-ranging, multi-genre experiment, mixing punk, country, jazz, west-coast psych pop, blues, and punk, often within the same song. Notable songs include "Father of a Sister Thought," "Pueblo," "Rattled by the Rush," "Flux = Rad," "Grave Architecture," and "Kennel District." The album is characterized by unpredictable, dynamic song structures and emotional depth, with moments of intense pathos and psychotic guitar work.
"Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain" (1994) is ranked third. This album delivered what Rough Trade describes as "wind through your hair hits," marking Pavement's evolution into a major alt-rock force. It features more accessible and melodic elements compared to their debut.
"Brighten The Corners" (1997) is ranked fourth. This album continued refining their sound, with a clearer production and more polished songwriting. Some of Pavement's best work can be found here, such as "Type Slowly", "Old To Begin", "Harness Your Hopes", and "Stereo".
The final chapter in their 5-album run is "Terror Twilight" (1999). This album marked a shift with producer Nigel Godrich, featuring a more produced, lush sound but receiving mixed reactions from fans and band members. The final song in this album has overlapping vocals between Scott Kannberg, Mark Ibold, and Stephen Malkmus, which sounds bittersweet knowing it is the end of the last album they made together.
For the author, "Wowee Zowee" stands out as a singular and unmatched masterpiece. The album was recorded in Memphis and often avoids conventional song structures; the band was under pressure to release it sooner than they felt ready. Despite this, it remains an unforgettable piece of music history, embodying the essence of Pavement's unique sound.
In 2024, a film titled "Pavement" by Alex Ross Perry was released, exploring the band's return to live performance and wider musical evolution. For fans of Pavement, this film offers a chance to relive the magic of their music and perhaps discover new layers of meaning in their songs.
As a fan, the author has signed up to receive updates on pre-orders, exclusives, and special offers. The journey through Pavement's music continues, and it's a ride worth taking.
Someone might watch the 2024 film "Pavement" and hear one of their favorite bands' music, experiencing the timeless magic of Pavement's songs, especially since the movie delves into their journey and progression in the realm of entertainment, with notable tracks like "Father of a Sister Thought" or "Type Slowly" during their live performances. Following this, fans might revisit the band's discography and rediscover the unforgettable "Wowee Zowee" album, a multi-genre experiment featuring a unique blend of punk, country, jazz, west-coast psych pop, blues, and punk, brimming with emotional depth and unpredictable song structures.
